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Quirky Whodunits: Jay to the World & Death and Fromage

15 Oct

Jay to the World
by Donna Andrews

Jay to the World is the newest book in my favorite Meg Langslow mystery series by Donna Andrews. This story is set during Christmas season, but the mystery has appeal beyond the holiday season. When Meg’s mother is attacked, Meg learns that she has been receiving threatening letters. There are plenty of red herrings and this one of the more action-packed stories of series. Of course, it is still full of the cozy charm long term readers like myself expect such as a sweet storyline about Meg’s blue jay loving niece. The story also involves the local woman’s shelter and though nothing is particularly graphic in the story, those who are particularly triggered by violence against women should be aware. If you haven’t previously read this mysteries series and love mysteries with quirky characters than this is one you should definitely check out.

Death and Fromage
by Ian Moore

Death and Fromage is the second in Ian Moore’s Follet Valley Mystery series about a British ex-pat who is running a B&B in France. Richard is enjoying a gourmet tasting menu at a restaurant in a nearby village when controversy erupts over the use of vegan goat cheese in the chef’s signature dish. When the cheese supplier turns up dead in one of the pasteurization tanks it leads to speculation over whether he chose to end his life or he was murdered. This had been in my tbr list for a while after enjoying the previous novel in the series Death and Croissants. I found this story to also be a funny whodunnit and it will delight fans of humorous mysteries as well as fans of stories about British expats such as Peter Mayle’s memoirs set in Provence.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

Yummy New Reads: Happy Snacking, Don’t Die! and The Pumpkin Vice Cafe

22 Sep

Happy Snacking, Don’t Die!
by Alexis Nikole Nelson

I enjoy Alexis Nikole Nelson’s adventures foraging in her videos under her alias The Black Forager so I was delighted to see that she was coming out with a cookbook filled with vegan recipes, Happy Snacking, Don’t Die!. Since my dad was a biology teacher, we would frequently go on nature walks when I was child and one of my favorite moments was always in summer when the mulberry trees would be ripe and we’d get to sample the juicy berries. Mulberries are one of the featured plants that Nelson discusses along with some of my other favorite tasty treats that can be found in nature including: violets, morels, roses and black walnuts. The book begins with some tips such as useful tools and places to avoid while foraging. Then it breaks down items to forage during each of the four seasons with a description of what they look like as well as a few recipes to use with items such as acorn flour, dock crepes, and crab apple jelly. One of the reason I enjoy Nelson’s videos is her fun humor and ability to make foraging seem accessible, which is also seen in the text of the book, making it a fun read even if you aren’t yet ready to get foraging yourself. Of course I would recommend always being cautious when foraging since you have to worry about toxic look-a-likes and possible contamination of plants from pollutants or insecticides; consider doing additional research and seek out expert advice.

The Pumpkin Vice Cafe
by Ellie Alexander

The Pumpkin Vice Cafe is the 23rd book into Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series about Jules, the owner and baker at her family’s business. I found it easy to jump into the story even without having read previous books in the series since Alexander does a nice job of setting up who the various characters are and the dynamic between them. This a fun cozy mystery that kept me guessing about who the killer of her friend’s wedding planner was since the story was filled with plenty of suspicious characters. There is also some added drama that Jules, the owner and a baker at the inn is pregnant so there is suspense about when she will be due. I plan to check out some of the previous books when I’m in the mood for a cozy mystery read and I’m looking forward to the next book which comes out in 2027 which will feature Lance and Arlo’s wedding!

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager